CVE-2019-3799 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-3799, a vulnerability in Spring Cloud Config allowing malicious users to exploit the spring-cloud-config-server module, leading to a directory traversal attack. Find out the impacted versions and mitigation steps.
Spring Cloud Config versions 2.1.x prior to 2.1.2, versions 2.0.x prior to 2.0.4, and versions 1.4.x prior to 1.4.6, and older unsupported versions allow applications to serve arbitrary configuration files through the spring-cloud-config-server module. A malicious user or attacker can send a request using a specially crafted URL that can lead to a directory traversal attack.
Understanding CVE-2019-3799
What is CVE-2019-3799?
CVE-2019-3799 is a vulnerability in Spring Cloud Config that enables malicious users to exploit the spring-cloud-config-server module, allowing them to serve arbitrary configuration files through specially crafted URLs, leading to a directory traversal attack.
The Impact of CVE-2019-3799
This vulnerability affects versions 2.1.x, 2.0.x, and 1.4.x of Spring Cloud Config, potentially exposing systems to unauthorized access and data manipulation by attackers.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-3799
Vulnerability Description
Prior to version 2.1.2, Spring Cloud Config allows applications to serve arbitrary configuration files through the spring-cloud-config-server module. This feature can be exploited by a malicious user or attacker through a specially crafted URL, resulting in a directory traversal attack.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Spring Cloud Config version 2.1.x prior to 2.1.2
- Spring Cloud Config version 2.0.x prior to 2.0.4
- Spring Cloud Config version 1.4.x prior to 1.4.6
- Older unsupported versions of Spring Cloud Config
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a request with a specially crafted URL to the spring-cloud-config-server module, allowing attackers to perform directory traversal attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade to the latest patched version of Spring Cloud Config to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement proper input validation to prevent malicious URL requests.
- Monitor and restrict access to the spring-cloud-config-server module.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Spring to apply patches promptly.